Apparatus and methods for diverting water from a building

ABSTRACT

A water diverting shield diverts water away from the foundation of a building and protects the foundation from water damage and leakage. The water diverting shield can be formed from a rigid or flexible material, and it can be substantially impermeable to water. The water diverting shield can include first and second planar portions which form an angle or bend. The water diverting shield reduces or eliminates infiltration of water to the foundation by shielding all or a portion of the foundation wall and foundation footing. The outward bend diverts water away from the foundation wall and foundation footing.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for diverting water away from a building. More particularly, the methods and apparatus divert water from the foundation of a building by use of a water resistant shield, thereby reducing or preventing water damage or leakage into the building.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many buildings have walls of concrete block, poured concrete or other masonry. In particular, the foundations of buildings are commonly made from concrete. Concrete and other masonry materials tend to absorb moisture, and over time, this can adversely affect their structural integrity. Underground foundation walls are especially at risk from water damage, particularly in buildings under construction and in geographic areas of high precipitation or with inadequate water drainage through ground soil. Water accumulation on a foundation wall can cause structural damage. Water below a foundation floor (such as the basement floor of a home) can also result in structural damage. In some instances water rises above and flows over the foundation wall into the interior basement or, more commonly, water seeps through holes and cracks in the foundation walls and floor. Water seepage through the wall or floor can cause structural damage to the foundation as to personal property inside the building. Water may also seep into the interior basement through an interface between the foundation wall and the foundation footing which supports the foundation wall. Water can also seep through other structural interfaces in the foundation, cracks, tie rod holes, honeycombed concrete, or over the foundation wall structure.

There are several existing approaches to preventing water from seeping into or entering a basement through the foundation. One approach is to attempt to fill holes in the foundation to prevent water from seeping through the foundation. Other approaches involve the use of drain tiles around the base of the foundation wall. Yet another approach involves the use of waterproofing compounds such as tars and epoxies to coat the outside or the inside of the foundation wall.

The basement waterproofing market currently has a variety of materials for spraying or coating on the inside or outside foundation wall and/or foundation footing. Among those materials are epoxy and polymeric compositions, silicone, styrene polymeric films, elastomeric coatings, latex, asphalt and glass fiber insulating boards, plastic films, and plastic sheets. Drainage systems that can be applied on a basement floor or into the ground around the foundation for drainage include perforated plastic tubes, drain tiles, underground drainage tile and pipe systems, drain line, drain conduit, gutter system, interconnected pipes, plastic or rubber molding strips. Some of the above materials can also be applied to foundation cracks.

One problem with sprayed-on materials or systems is that they become integrated or connected with the foundation. As a result, they are liable to shift and crack with the foundation wall. Another problem with current drainage systems is that they are usually installed underground, at the foundation footing, which is approximately eight feet underground. As a result, installation of these systems requires excavation all the way to the base of the foundation, making the system undesirable for existing buildings. Additionally, the drainage systems direct the flow of underground water around the foundation near the footing, but not at upper portions of the foundation wall. Furthermore, most of these systems direct the underground water to a sump. These drainage systems do not solve the problem of water seeping into the foundation wall through cracks and holes. Some systems combine waterproofing materials and drainage systems together, but each of their independent problems will still be present.

The existing approaches suffer from one or more disadvantages, such as being difficult or expensive to install and/or not being completely effective. Thus, there remains a need for inexpensive methods and apparatus to effectively prevent water from leaking into a building through its foundation, including through the foundation walls, and/or to prevent water from damaging a foundation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a water diverting shield is provided for diverting water away from a building. The water diverting shield comprises a substantially rigid, water resistant material. The water diverting shield has a first planar portion and a second planar portion. The first planar portion and the second planar portion form an angle that is greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees, alternatively an angle between about 112 and about 135 degrees. Preferably, the water resistant material is substantially impermeable to water. For example, polyvinylchloride is a suitable water resistant material which is substantially impermeable to water. The water diverting shield can also include a third planar portion adapted for attachment to a building, which preferably forms an angel with the first planar portion that is about 90 degrees. The water diverting shield can also include a fourth planar portion that forms an angle with the second planar portion in the range of greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees.

A water diverting shield that surrounds a foundation can be a unitary structure, or it can be formed from at least one panel and at least one corner, where the corner(s) are connected to the panel(s) by water resistant bonds.

In another aspect of the present invention, a water diversion system is provided for a building. The system comprises a foundation for a building, wherein the foundation is at least partially underground, and a water diverting shield connected to the foundation so as to provide a water resistant barrier. The first planar portion can be substantially parallel with the foundation, and the second planar portion can form an angle between about 90 degrees and about 180 degrees with the foundation. Preferably, the water diverting shield is connected to the top of the foundation, such as by an anchor bolt that connects a foundation wall and a building wall.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for shielding a foundation of a building from water. The method comprises connecting a water diverting shield to a building. The water diverting shield is resistant to water and has a first planar portion and a second planar portion, and the second planar portion is at an angle from the first planar portion. The method also comprises extending the first planar portion along at least part of a wall of the foundation and extending the second planar portion out from the foundation wall. The method can also comprise covering the second planar portion with particulate matter, and covering the particulate matter with landscaping. The particulate matter covering the second planar portion can be graded at an angle that is substantially the same as the angle of the second portion with the ground. The method can also include excavating around the foundation before connecting the water diverting shield to the building, and disposing backfill under the second planar portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a water diverting shield as installed during the construction of a new building;

FIG. 2 shows a water diverting shield as installed to an existing building;

FIG. 3 shows a water diverting shield as installed above ground level to an existing building;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the corners of the water diverting shield; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the water diversion panels and water diversion corners joined together.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present apparatus and methods divert water away from the foundation of a building. A water diverting shield of suitable size, material and installation impedes or prevents water from reaching the foundation. The water diverting shield can comprise sheets, films, layers, or other planar barriers that are resistant to water. The water diverting shield is connected to the foundation of a building in such a manner as to block water from reaching the foundation, including the foundation walls. The present apparatus and methods provide inexpensive yet effective protection against water damage to the foundation and against seepage of water into a basement.

The present apparatus and methods are easier to install than many existing approaches to waterproofing a basement. Moreover, the present apparatus and methods can be adapted to different foundation sizes, structures and layouts. The present apparatus and methods can be installed together with (at the time of) the fabrication of the foundation (such as just after the foundation is poured) to thus prevent water from damaging the structure once completed. The present apparatus and methods are also capable of being installed in established homes. Indeed, the present apparatus and methods provide a marked advantage over existing approaches with respect to existing buildings, since the present apparatus and methods can be installed relatively simply and effectively and at a great savings in cost and labor compared to some of the existing waterproofing approaches. Moreover, the present apparatus and methods include a water diverting shield that is not integrated into the foundation in the way that sealants and other waterproofing materials are; should the foundation crack or suffer other structural damage, the present apparatus and methods may avoid damage and failure to a greater extent than would materials integral with the foundation.

One of the major causes of foundation leakage is water settling next to the foundation wall or foundation footing. Since the water diverting shield diverts the water away from the foundation wall and footing, the water diverting shield reduces or eliminates this cause of foundation leakage. The water diverting shield diverts water from any source, including heavy rains, snow, ice and moisture, away from the foundation wall and foundation footing to eliminate any water from settling next to the foundation wall or foundation footing. Water includes water mixed with dirt, soil, sand, grass, mud, leaves, and any other materials. Water includes any other aqueous mixture that might come in contact with the foundation.

The water diverting shield can be securely connected to the foundation above grade. Grade refers to the ground and its slope. A shield attached above grade is attached above ground level. The water diverting shield may be attached to the foundation wall or to another portion of the building. It may be attached to the top of the foundation wall, to the side of the foundation wall, to a wood wall behind siding to a wood sill plate on the foundation wall, and/or to the building's anchor bolt. Preferably, since the water diverting shield is not attached to the foundation wall or footing below grade. This reduces the risk of damage to the water diverting shield, this allows movement and settling of the foundation without disturbing the water diverting shield.

The present apparatus and methods can provide a building owner (such as a residential home owner) with relatively inexpensive solutions for preventing water damage or leakage because the present apparatus and methods can work at different depths. This provides cost flexibility, since excavation to a desired depth is a significant cost factor.

The water diverting shield can cover the foundation wall above the grade. It has a bend that directs the water flow away from the foundation wall, it solves waterproofing and water flow problems. The underground water will not build up against the foundation wall or footing and seep through.

The water diverting shield can comprise sheets, films, layers, or any other barrier significantly longer in two dimensions (length and width) than in a third dimension (thickness). The water diverting shield as a whole preferably extends around the entire circumference of the foundation, although in some circumstances it may be acceptable to install the water diverting shield on only a portion of the foundation (for example, along one wall that is especially susceptible to water damage or leakage. The water diverting shield may be a unitary device, or the shield can comprise one or more panels and/or corners joined together.

The water diverting shield that surrounds a foundation can be a unitary apparatus, or it can be made up of panels and corners that are connected together. For example, the water diverting shield can comprise a plurality of panels and a plurality of corners around the exterior of the foundation which are connected together with an adhesive such as polyvinylchloride (PVC) glue or a tar sealer.

The water diverting shield preferably comprises preformed water diversion panels and preformed water diversion corners. The panels and corners cover all or part of the foundation. Preferably, a first portion of the water diverting shield is oriented vertically, and a second portion of the water diverting shield is oriented at a downward angle from horizontal.

The panels and corners have a bend at a bottom portion of the panels and corners, to direct the flow of under ground water away from the foundation wall and the foundation footing. In this manner, the water diverting shield protects the wall and the footing. Because of the bend at the bottom portion of the panels and corners, the water diverting shield can be installed at variety of depths.

The water diverting shield can be a flexible material or a rigid material. When made from a rigid material, the shield comprises preformed panels and preformed corners that join together with an adhesive such as PVC glue or tar adhesive. The water diverting shield is designed to cover part or all of the outside foundation wall.

For example, the water diverting shield can be manufactured from a water impermeable or water resistant material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (such as Teflon® sheeting), polyurethane, acrylic sheets, acetate films, clear polyester sheets (such as Mylar® sheeting), polycarbonate sheets, or other water resistant polymers. PVC is presently preferred due to its established durability in outdoor and underground applications. PVC is substantially rigid and substantially impermeable to water. Preferably the water resistant material is substantially impermeable to water. When a substantially impermeable material is used, water will generally not pass through the material.

The water diverting shield will usually include a bend between a first planar portion and a second planar portion. The bend can be located either above or below the natural grade of the surrounding land. For example, the bend can be 12 inches or less, alternatively 8 inches or less, alternatively 6 inches or less above the natural grade or above ground. As another example, the bend can be 2 inches or less, alternatively 6 inches or less, alternatively 12 inches or less, alternatively 2 feet or less, alternatively 4 feet or less, alternatively 6 feet or less, alternatively 8 feet or less, alternatively 12 feet or less below the natural grade or under ground.

The first planar portion of the panels and corners can descend below grade and lie against the outside foundation wall. When the water resistant material is a rigid and/or preformed material, the first planar portion(s) will descend below grade to the predetermined depth. The second planar portion of the panels and corners will lie below grade at a desired depth and will extend outward from the foundation wall. The second planar portion can extend out from the wall, generally at a distance of at least about one foot and at most about four feet, although longer or shorter distances may also be employed in some situations.

The water diverting shield can be installed to any new or existing home or building foundation. For example, the water diverting shield can be installed around the foundation of a new single-family home during its construction. It is particularly advantageous to install the present apparatus in the course of new building construction since the area surrounding the foundation will generally be accessible without excavation. As another example, the water diverting shield can be installed around the foundation of a multi-unit residential building, such as an apartment or a condominium. As yet another example, the water diverting shield can be installed around the foundation of a commercial building. In general, any building having a foundation susceptible to water damage and/or leakage can benefit from the present apparatus and methods. For existing buildings, installation will generally include the landscaping and dirt around the foundation to be excavated around the foundation to a desired depth. The excavated area preferably ranges in width from 1 foot to 30 feet and in depth from 0 to 16 feet. Because of the bend at the bottom end of the panels and corners, the water diverting shield can be installed at variety of depths ranging from ground level to ten feet, for example, depending on the budget or preference of the building owner and/or contractor.

After the panels and corners are joined together and secured in place, the dirt is then backfilled to cover panels and corners and will finish securing the water diversion panels and corners. If new construction, the area around the foundation will have to be backfilled up to the footing to allow the panels and corners to rest evenly on the sub-grade.

Once the water diverting shield is installed to the foundation, the excavated dirt or backfill can be added to securing the portion of the shield that will be below grade. Because the home or building owner has a choice depending on their budget, any future landscaping will need to be carefully considered because of roots. The deeper underground the water impermeable diversion shield is installed, the more efficient the shield will be. If the water impermeable diversion shield will be slightly exposed above grade, it can be manufactured in a variety of colors.

The water diverting shield can be any suitable size. The water diverting shield will generally range in length from about one foot to about thirty feet, in width from about one foot to about 16 feet, and in thickness from about 0.125 inch to about 0.5 inch. The first planar portion will generally range from about 6 inches to about 10 feet in length, alternatively from about 4 feet to about 6 feet in length. The second planar portion will generally range from about 1 foot to about 6 feet in length, alternatively from about 3 feet to about 4 feet in length.

The water diverting shield can be connected to the building by any suitable means. For example, the water diverting shield can be connected to the top or side of a foundation wall by a physical fastener such as a nail, screw, staple, or bolt. The water diverting shield can be attached at the junction between a foundation wall and a wall of the building that rests upon the foundation wall. Alternatively, where an existing building has siding that is separable (at least temporarily) from the building, the water diverting shield can be attached between the siding and a wall of the building. In some embodiments, the water diverting shield can be connected to the foundation by being held in place against the foundation by the weight of the surrounding ground.

With new construction, a portion of the water diverting shield is placed over the top of the foundation wall. The water diverting shield can be disposed between the foundation and the sill plate (also called a wood sill) disposed on the foundation. Alternatively or additionally, the water diverting shield can be attached to the sill plate by any suitable means, including nails, staples, and the like.

Preferably, the water diverting shield also includes a third portion that is adapted for attaching the shield to the foundation. For example, if the water diverting shield is for new construction, the top of the panels and corners are also pre-bent to form a third portion, which can be placed over the top of the foundation. The third portion is attached to and forms an angle with the first planar portion. Preferably the first and third poritions for an angle of about 90 degrees, alternatively from about 80 degrees to about 100 degrees. In this embodiment, the third portion rests on the top of the foundation wall, and it may further be connected to the foundation wall by any suitable means. For example, the tops of the panels and corners (the third planar portions) can be held in place by slipping the shield over the concrete anchor bolts atop of the foundation wall. For example, the water diverting shield can be attached via an anchor bolt that connects a foundation wall and a building wall. If the water diverting shield is for existing construction, the top pre-bent section can be removed (such as by cutting with a skill saw). Where the building has siding, the siding can be separated from the building, and the water diverting shield can be attached to the sill plate or another portion of the building. In such cases, the first planar portion can be tucked under the existing exterior siding of the building. If the exterior wall is masonry, the water diverting shield can be secured to the foundation top with a tar sealer and/or an adhesive.

FIG. 1 shows the water diverting shield as installed during the construction of a new building. FIG. 1 illustrates a water diversion system 100 that includes a water diverting shield 110 and a foundation wall 120. Also shown in FIG. 1 is a foundation footing 125, subterranean (basement) floor 130, subterranean floor base 135, a structure wall 140 of the building, and the ground adjacent to the foundation 150. More particularly, the water diverting shield 11 comprises a first planar portion 111 that is substantially parallel to the foundation wall 120, a second planar portion 112 extending out from the foundation wall 120, a bend 113 between the first and second planar portions, and a foundation attachment portion 114. A building wall 140 is attached to the foundation wall 120 by anchor bolt 142 in FIG. 1, though in some circumstances other attachments are made. In this embodiment, the water diverting shield 115 is attached to the foundation via the anchor bolt 142 and is disposed between the foundation wall 120 and structural wall 140. Ground 150 further comprises existing soil grade 152, excavated sub-grade level 154 and water diverting shield backfill 156.

FIG. 2 shows the water diverting shield as installed to an existing building. The water diversion system 200 includes water diverting shield 210, and the foundation wall 220. FIG. 2 also shows the foundation footing 225, subterranean floor 230, subterranean floor base 235, structure wall 240, and soil 250. More particularly, the water diverting shield 210 comprises a first planar portion 211, a second planar portion 212, a bend 213, a structure wall attachment portion 216, and a foundation attachment portion 214. In this embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the water diverting shield 210 does not include a base planar portion though such a portion could optionally be included. Structure wall 240 is attached to the foundation wall 220 by an anchor bolt 242. Also shown by dotted lines in FIG. 2 are the natural grade 252, the excavated sub-grade 254 and the new grade 258 after installation of the water diverting shield.

Preferably a vertical portion of the water diverting shield is more than one foot in length, so that the horizontal portion 212 is more than one foot below the ground surface. At depths deeper than one foot, the home or building owner still has the ability to plant landscaping in the soil above the water diverting shield 212.

FIG. 3 shows a water diverting shield as installed above ground level, which may be particularly useful or desirable for existing construction. This embodiment provides a solution for water problems without the effort and expense of excavating around the foundation. FIG. 3 illustrates a water diversion system 300 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. The water diversion system 300 includes water diverting shield 310, and a foundation wall 320. Also shown in FIG. 3 is a foundation wall footing 325, subterranean floor 330, subterranean floor base 335, and structure wall 340. More particularly, the water diverting shield 310 comprises a first planar portion 311, a second planar portion 312, a bend 313, a structure wall attachment potion 318, and a foundation attachment portion 314. Structure wall 340 further comprises anchor bolt 342. FIG. 3 also shows the natural grade 352 of the ground surrounding the building, backfill 356 to fill the space between the natural grade 352 and the shield 312 (thereby creating support for the shield 312), and new soil grade 358. Even at this depth, it is expected that sod or grass seed can be deposited and grown upon the shield. Preferably no deep rooted plants are deposited upon the shield.

Turning now to FIG. 4 there is shown a top-down view of the corners for a water diverting shield. FIG. 4 illustrates inside and outside corners of a water diversion system 400. The water diversion system 400 includes water diverting shield corner 410A and 410B, foundation wall 420, foundation wall footing 425, and subterranean floor 430. The first planar portion is not clearly visible from the top-down view. Water diversion shield corners 410A and 410B further comprise first planar portions (not visible in FIG. 4), second planar portions 412A and 412B, bends 413A and 413B, attachment portions 414A and 414B, and fourth planar portions 415A and 415B extending from the second planar portions. The fourth planar portions 415A and 415B can be essentially parallel with the grade of the topsoil. The water diversion shield corners also have corner bends 417A and 417B which can an be tapered as appropriate or be a triangular section of material rather than a single seam or joint. The corner bends can be form inside or outside corners, and can be conforming or conformable to the corners of the building.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a panel and two corners joined together to form a water diverting shield for two corners and a wall of a foundation. The water diversion apparatus 500 includes water diverting shield 515 and water diverting shield corners 510A and 510B. Water diverting shield corner 510A and 510B further comprises a first planar portion 511A and 511 B, a second planar portion 512A and 512B, a bend 513A and 513B, an attachment portion 514A and 514B, and a base planar portion 515A and 515B. The water diverting shield corners 510A and 510B also have bends that accommodate the corners of the building. In FIG. 5, the second planar portion 512B tapers to accommodate the corner and in 510A, the second planar portion 512A flares to accommodate the corner of the foundation. More particularly, the water diversion panel 515 comprises a first planar portion 510, a second planar portion 512, a bend 513, a base planar portion 516, and an attachment portion 514. The water diversion corners have corner bends 517A and 517B. The panel and corners can be connected by any suitable means that will not permit water to flow between the connections.

In the present specification, use of the singular includes the plural except where ally indicated. In the present specification, any of the functions recited herein performed by one or more means for performing such functions.

All patents, test procedures, and other documents cited herein are fully incorporated by reference to the extent such disclosure is not inconsistent with this invention and for all jurisdictions in which such incorporation is permitted.

While the present invention has been described and illustrated by reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention lends itself to many different variations not illustrated herein. For these reasons, then, reference should be made solely to the appended claims for purposes of determining the true scope of the present invention.

Although the dependent claims have single dependencies in accordance with U.S. patent practice, each of the features in any of the dependent claims can be combined with each of the features of other dependent claims or the main claim. 

1. A water diverting shield for diverting water away from a building, said water diverting shield comprising a substantially rigid, water resistant material, wherein the water diverting shield has a first planar portion and a second planar portion, and wherein the first planar portion and the second planar portion form an angle in the range of greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees.
 2. The water diverting shield of claim 1 wherein the water resistant material is substantially impermeable to water.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said water resistant material is polyvinylchloride.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the water resistant material comprises a third planar portion adapted for attachment to a building.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the water resistant material comprises a fourth planar portion that forms an angle with the second planar portion in the range of greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first and second planar portion form an angle between about 112 and about 135 degrees.
 7. The water diverting shield of claim 1, wherein the shield comprises at least one panel and at least one corner, wherein the corner is connected to the panel by a water resistant bond.
 8. A water diversion system for a building, the system comprising: a foundation for a building, wherein the foundation is at least partially underground; and a water diverting shield connected to the foundation so as to provide a water resistant barrier.
 9. The system of claim 8 wherein the first planar portion is substantially parallel with the foundation, and the second planar portion forms an angle between about 90 degrees and about 180 degrees with the foundation.
 10. The system of claim 8 wherein the water diverting shield is connected to the top of the foundation.
 11. The system of claim 8 wherein the water diverting shield is connected to the top of the foundation by an anchor bolt that connects a foundation wall and a building wall.
 12. A method of shielding a foundation of a building from water, the method comprising: connecting a water diverting shield to a building, wherein said water diverting shield is resistant to water and has a first planar portion and a second planar portion, and said second planar portion is at an angle from said first planar portion; extending the first planar portion along at least part of a wall of the foundation; and extending the second planar portion out from the foundation wall, wherein the second planar portion is below the first.
 13. The method of claim 12 further comprising covering the second planar portion with particulate matter.
 14. The method of claim 13 further comprising covering said particulate matter with landscaping.
 15. The method of claim 12 further comprising excavating around the foundation before connecting the water diverting shield to the building.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising disposing backfill under said second planar portion.
 17. The method of claim 12, wherein the water diverting shield is essentially impermeable to water.
 18. The method of claim 12 wherein the water diverting shield is connected to the foundation at a location between a foundation wall and a structural wall of the building.
 19. The method of claim 12 wherein said water diverting shield is attached to an anchor bolt that connects the foundation to a wall of the building.
 20. The method of claim 12 further comprising connecting a plurality of panels and corners to form the water diverting shield. 